AREA GUIDE COSTA DEL SOL - MARBELLA

From Guadalmina to Cabopino, the Marbella coastline stretches along some 26 kilometres of sunny beaches bathed by the Mediterranean and where you can enjoy traditional fish and seafood favourites like sardines on a spit, fried fish and the incomparable paella. There are also two large parks in Marbella which provide some welcome shade to spend some time with a book. The amphitheatre at Constitution Park (once the garden of a private residence) is frequently used for concerts and plays in the summer. Casinos, clubs and just about every sporting activity under the sun, few places can match Marbella for world class tennis, sailing and golf. There are also three pleasure craft harbours here.

Marbella's motto is "A Way of Life" and, certainly, this luxurious resort town seems to have it all and is, once again, rising to the fore as a favourite location for the rich and famous, as Spain's answer to St Tropez.

However for the ultimate in coastal charisma it would be hard to beat Puerto Banus, just west of the town. This is the place to be pampered yacht side and watch the world go by or window shop at one of several of the world renowned fashion houses and boutiques. The port has grown considerably over the years and now includes a casino, commercial shopping centre, El Corte Ingles department store, marine observatory and a multi cinema with films shown in their original soundtrack. The nightlife is buzzing here with alfresco bars, piano clubs and discos which are open from dusk till dawn.

But Marbella has a down to earth side as well, an air of individuality which can best be appreciated by exploring back streets in the old part of town. One of the prettiest places is the fabled 'Orange Square' which is located just off the main street in the older district and is also home to the 16th century town hall and tourist office where you can pick up a detailed map and visitor information.

The Orange Square, or "La Plaza de los Naranjos", as it is called in Spanish because of the numerous orange trees all over the square, expect to meet with stately buildings, small shops, art galleries, bars and bistros and is a hub of activity day and night. And, depending on the time of year, the colours here can be vibrant, with the trees and exotic tropical plants set against a backdrop of dazzling white buildings and a deep blue sky.

Be sure to explore the honeycomb of surrounding narrow streets where homes and shops intermingle to create the atmosphere of a small village, rather than a cosmopolitan town. There are numerous excellent restaurants to choose from, ranging from those specialising in the predictably pricey exclusive cordon bleu to the gritty individuality of a backstreet Spanish bar where the Serrano ham is gently cured by tobacco smoke and the tapas are both tasty and filling.

Back towards the coast is the La Alameda park where you can book your personal horse and carriage to travel in style or, if you prefer, stroll on towards the sea along the Avenida del Mar. This is arguably one of the most delightful promenades on the costa, flanked by classy restaurants and bars and mercifully free of concrete skyscrapers.

A walk through Marbella´s old town and Orange Square.
Partially surrounded by the ruins of an old Arab wall with narrow white washed streets, old churches and squares, as well as lots of fascinating shops and boutiques. At the heart of the old town is Orange Square which dates back to 1485 and, according to Christian urban design, is surrounded by whitewashed houses and three historical buildings - the town hall, the old governor's house and the Chapel (Hermitage) of Santiago. The gardens are full of brightly coloured flowers and orange trees and in the centre stands a bust of King Juan Carlos 1.

At the end of Nueva Street, where it joins Orange Square, stands a stone fountain which dates from the year 1504 when it was erected by the first Mayor of Christian Marbella. To the left is the Old Governor's House which dates back to 1552 and still retains the original stone facade adorned with shields and a three arched balcony.

The Town Hall located on the square was built in 1568. On the front right-hand corner of the building is a sun dial, various shields and some commemorative stone inscriptions perfectly conserved and in legible condition. One of them dates back from the 11th June, 1485 when the town was re-conquered from the Moors. Within the Town Hall are the original Council Chambers which are now divided into two floors. The upper floor has an artistic ceiling carved in Mudejar style and the walls are covered with curious murals that date from 1572. These represent the eagle from the Imperial Standard belonging to the Catholic King and Queen, a scene from Christ's crucifixion, Marbella's first coat of arms and some allegories of the power of God and the administration of justice. The Catholic King and Queen's pendant, an important historical relic, is also held in this hall and publicly displayed every June 11th to commemorate the date of the re-conquest of the town.

Dominating the square is the most important building in the town, The Church of Saint Mary whose construction began in 1618. The main facade of the building is adorned with a beautiful red stone entrance worked in Baroque style while the interior consists of three sections which underwent restoration after the 1936 Civil War. The church organ here is the most important built in Spain in the last 125 years. The installation began in 1972 and was completed in 1975. It is made up of 5000 pewter, copper and wooden pipes, four manual keyboards of 56 notes, a 36 note pedal and various other special characteristics. In the church square there is also a tower which was part of the wall that used to surround the Moorish town.

Walking from there to Trinidad Street past a row of houses are more ruins of the castle and remains of some Roman Capitals that were taken from other constructions and used for building its walls. The existing wall extends to the end of Portada street where it disappears, as did so many others when, in 1786, by royal command of King Carlos III, town and city walls were pulled down. Nearby, the Chapel of Santiago, built in the 15th century was the first Christian church in the town. Today it houses religious figures belonging to the Brotherhood of Love and Charity, including a wooden carving of Christ in Neo Baroque style.

Located in one of the major streets of the old town is the Santo Cristo de la Vera Cruz Square and Chapel which dates back to the 15th century. The main facade is a combination of simple stone work construction and traditional whitewash.

Other places worth a visit are:

The Bonsai Museum.

An exquisite exhibit of bonsai trees which is open daily from 10 am to 13.30 and from 16.30 to 20.00. Located in Arroyo de la Represa Park.

Municipal Art Gallery.

This art gallery always has a good selection of work by local artists and is open from 19.00 to 22.00. Located in José Palomo Square, s/n

Roman villa & Roman baths.

To the west of San Pedro are the remains of the Roman Villa at Rio Verde. It is noted for its well preserved mosaics. The ruins of the roman bath houses are just a step from the beach at Guadalmina to the west of San Pedro.

Museum of Spanish Contemporary Engravings.

This building was formerly the residential palace of the Mayor, Don Alonso de Bazán who later, in a generous will, donated it to the town to serve as a hospital for the poor. Today, the building carries out a noteworthy social service as a museum, as well as housing the offices of the Marbella Cultural Delegation. The museum is the first of its type in Spain and exhibits works by Picasso, Miró, Tapies, Chillida and several other famous painters.

Seafront Promenade & Beaches.

The extensive promenade is ideal to experience and join the Spanish in the traditional "paseo". Flanked by pavement cafes, restaurants, this promenade is one of the most attractive on the Costa del Sol and has the added advantage of being within minutes of the centre of town.

Marbella Mosque.

This beautiful temple overlooks the golden mile just to the west of the city centre. It was the first mosque to be constructed since the re conquest in the fifteenth century.

Flea & Antique market (Saturday morning only).

Next to the bullring of Puerto Banus is a great rambling flea market, a mini "Rastro" where you can find everything from a wooden elephant to a woolly jumper. Prices are good but you may need to haggle.

Parks & Gardens.

Marbella prides is parks and gardens. Even the smallest open spaces have been carefully planted with beautiful flowers. Nagueles Park, Parque de las Medranas, Parque de la Constitucion, La Alameda, King Fahiad Gardens are the names of the larger parks and gardens.

Surrounding scenery.

The magnificent mountain known as "La Concha" (the shell) is part of a range that extends across the skyline to the village of Ojén. Take the road to Ojén and turn left into the beautiful park called Juanar, where the mountainside is covered in pine trees, pinsapos, walnut and olive trees, as well as wild orchids - and some wild animals, including Hispanic wild goats, eagles and Royal owls. At one of its highest points stands "El Mirador" where you can look down on one of the most spectacular views of Marbella and its surroundings.